Ag Education Students to Show State’s Food Processing Industry is ‘Open for Business’ at Farm Show

12/31/2009

Harrisburg – Pennsylvania FFA chapters will showcase local food processors through exhibits and demonstrations during the 2010 Pennsylvania Farm Show’s Agricultural Technology Display competition, to be held Jan. 9-16 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center in Harrisburg.

In its fifth year, the theme of this year’s competition is “Keeping PA Growing: Open for Business.” Displays will focus on Pennsylvania’s vibrant food processing sector by partnering leading food businesses with FFA chapters.

“Not only do these exhibits make a bold statement about the diversity of Pennsylvania agriculture, they provide students with a unique educational opportunity,” said Agriculture Secretary Russell C. Redding. “Students will work together with agribusinesses to help gain an understanding of our state’s food processing industry, which helps to broaden their career development, while educating the public about Pennsylvania’s number one industry - agriculture.

“We are thankful for the support of the partners who are providing Agricultural education leaders with the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning.”

The exhibits will be in the complex’s Expo Hall. Each day, a different school will host demonstrations for visitors. The contest is open to all chapters and students work with their Ag teachers and advisors to build the displays and plan the demonstrations.

Winners will be announced at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 16, in the Expo Hall. Each of the eight participating FFA chapters will receive monetary awards sponsored by Lancaster Farming, with additional prizes awarded to winning exhibits.

The Pennsylvania FFA will hold its Mid-Winter Convention at the Farm Show on Monday, Jan. 11, at 2 p.m. in the Large Arena. Nearly 1,000 members from 80 chapters are expected to attend and 247 students will receive a State Degree of membership, the Pennsylvania FFA’s highest honor.

The Pennsylvania Farm Show is the largest indoor agricultural event in the nation, featuring nearly 6,000 animals, 10,000 competitive exhibits and 270 commercial exhibitors. The show runs Jan. 9-16 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center in Harrisburg. Admission is free and parking is $10.